News: Vail Resorts seeks zero net operating footprint by 2030

Vail Resorts has announced that the company will aggressively pursue a comprehensive sustainability commitment, called “Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint”.

This ambitious undertaking, announced to employees at a company-wide event, commits to zero net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030 and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat.

“Everything we do at Vail Resorts is driven by the spectacular natural surroundings where our employees, guests and communities live, work and play.

“The environment is our business, and we have a special obligation to protect it,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts.

“As a growing global company so deeply connected to the outdoors, we are making a commitment to address our most pressing global environmental challenge and protect our local communities and natural resources.

“Through improved business practices, capital investment and continued innovation and environmental stewardship, we are setting a goal of achieving a zero net operating footprint by 2030.

“With our Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint, Vail Resorts is both doing the right thing for the environment and for our business.”

Inspired by Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental commitment, the company intends to go beyond setting a partial emissions reduction target by executing on a more expansive and ambitious plan.

“Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint” comprises three pillars: emissions, waste, and forests and habitats, with a thoughtful approach to each that was developed in consultation with leading sustainability experts in the industry.

“It’s the leadership of companies like Vail Resorts that recognize that this is good business and good for the environment that will truly make a difference in the world,” said Carl Pope, co-author of Climate of Hope and former head of the Sierra Club.

“We will combat climate change through commitments such as this and others from cities, municipalities and companies across the country.”

Vail Resorts plans to achieve its 2030 goal of “zero waste to landfill” by diverting 100 per cent of the waste from its operations to more sustainable pathways.

Currently at a 40 per cent waste diversion rate across its entire operations, the company has set its sights on an interim target of diverting 50 per cent of its waste by 2020.